Mario Barrios

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Mario Barrios, born on May 18, 1995, in San Antonio, Texas, showed an early affinity for combat sports, beginning his journey into boxing at a tender age. His passion for boxing was nurtured within a family supportive of his ambitions, paving the way for a robust amateur career.

 

Barrios embarked on his amateur boxing career at the age of 11, quickly distinguishing himself in the junior ranks. His talent was evident as he accumulated a notable record of 75 wins against only 3 losses. This impressive performance in the amateur circuit highlighted his technical skills and determination, qualities that would define his later professional career.

 

During his amateur tenure, Barrios clinched several prestigious titles and accolades. Notably, he became a three-time Ringside World Champion and a two-time National Silver Gloves Champion, achievements that underscored his prowess and potential in the ring. These victories, particularly in national competitions, marked him as a rising star in American boxing, setting the stage for his transition to the professional ranks in 2013.

 

Professional Career

 

In 2013, Mario Barrios stepped into the professional boxing arena, marking the beginning of a noteworthy career. On May 11, 2019, he demonstrated his prowess by defeating Juan Jose Velasco with a powerful body shot, securing a knockout in the second round. Later that year, on September 28, Barrios captured the vacant WBA (Regular) super lightweight title by overcoming Batyr Akhmedov through a unanimous decision, with scores of 114–112, 115–111, and 116–111. This bout, held during the undercard of the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter event, saw Barrios achieve two knockdowns, although he also sustained significant injuries. His victory, while decisive, sparked discussions among observers over the fairness of the scoring.

 

Barrios continued to defend his title, notably against Ryan Karl on October 31, 2020, in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. This match, part of the Gervonta Davis vs. Léo Santa Cruz undercard, ended in the sixth round with a technical knockout after Barrios landed two potent left hooks on Karl.

 

His undefeated streak was challenged when he faced Gervonta Davis on June 26, 2021, in Atlanta, during a Showtime PPV event. Davis’s strength was apparent as he knocked down Barrios twice in the eighth round and again in the eleventh, leading to Barrios’s first professional loss by technical knockout. Following this setback, Barrios moved up to the welterweight division, taking on former unified champion Keith Thurman on February 5, 2022, in Las Vegas. Despite a valiant effort, Barrios lost by unanimous decision.

 

He bounced back by defeating Jovanie Santiago on February 11, 2023, securing the WBC Continental Americas welterweight title with a technical knockout in the eighth round. This victory set the stage for a September 30, 2023, bout against Yordenis Ugás, where Barrios surprised many by winning the Interim WBC welterweight title with a convincing unanimous decision. Continuing his upward trajectory, Barrios defended his title against Fabian Maidana on May 4, 2024, in Paradise, Nevada. This fight showcased his resilience and tactical acumen, culminating in a unanimous decision victory.